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Sustainability Report 2018-2019

An-Najah National University

SAVE TREES, SCAN THE CODE.

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An-Najah National University

About this Report This report highlights the activities and actions An-Najah National University has carried

out in order to address the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United

Nations in 2015.

An-Najah National University has been always trying to address the SDGs. Since its

establishment, An-Najah National University has been working determinedly to build

and achieve sustainable cities and communities, starting with the university itself.

Palestine has a limited access to its lands, forests, water resources, seas and other

natural resources due to Israeli restrictions on our resources. This has prevented the

university to fully achieve all SDGs such as Life Below Water, and Life on Land were not

applicable. Nevertheless, An-Najah is doing its best in achieving all sustainable

development goals that will improve the quality of life in and off campus and save the

planet. In this regard, An-Najah National University dedicated 18% of its total budget to

sustainability for the academic year 2018-2019.

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A Message from

the President “

An-Najah National University is considered to

be the largest university in Palestine and one of

the most advanced universities in all academic

and research fields thanks to the dedication and

hard work of its unique academic and

administrative staff. This has yielded the

university a renowned academic record which

competes with that of other universities

internationally and locally. As a result, An-Najah

National University’s performance has been

recently recognized in international university

rankings. For instance, An-Najah National

University has been ranked number one in

Palestine and 46 in the QS Arab World

University Rankings 2020, and number one in

Palestine and number +301 worldwide in the

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2019.

Besides research and teaching, serving the

community and sustainability is an essential part

of our university mission. In this regard, we at

An-Najah National University, are very

committed to serve the community by focusing

on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The university has conducted a range of

activities to ensure the achievement of the

SDGs. This report highlights the efforts and

accomplishments that the university has carried

out in 2019 towards sustainability.

Prof. Maher Natsheh

University President ”

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Contents

About the University .................................................................................................................... 6

Facts and Figures ......................................................................................................................... 7

Sustainability Centers .................................................................................................................. 8

Health and Well-Being .............................................................................................................. 12

Teaching, Learning and Research .......................................................................................... 13

Equality and Justice ................................................................................................................... 14

Water and Waste ....................................................................................................................... 17

Climate Action and Energy ...................................................................................................... 19

Nature and Ecosystem .............................................................................................................. 22

Sustainable Cities and Communities ..................................................................................... 26

Partnerships ................................................................................................................................ 29

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About the University

Mission

An-Najah National University

is a public institution whose

mission is to advance

learning, share knowledge

and foster the skills needed in

young men and women to

succeed as people and

professionals in all spheres of

life. An-Najah also aims to

instill a love of understanding

in the students and promote a

culture of scientific

excellence. The University

strives to equip its students

with the skills necessary to be

productive and creative

members of the Palestinian

society and to compete in the

domestic, Arab and

international work markets.

The University is also

dedicated to advancing

scientific research on a global

level and to meeting the

community’s needs by

participating in sustainable

economic, technical and

human development.

Additionally, An-Najah strives

to preserve the cultural and

religious heritage of the

Palestinian people and

increase knowledge of this

heritage.

Vision

An-Najah National

University is dedicated to

promoting understanding,

providing the highest

quality undergraduate and

graduate education, and

serving as a leader in

scientific research. An-

Najah acts as a base for

sustainable development

by encouraging students

and the University

community to assume

leadership roles and to

participate in serving

society.

Values

• Sustainability

• Accountability

• Ethics

• Globalization

• Sense of belonging

• Academic freedom

• Integrity

• Respecting others

opinion

• Transparency

• Quality

• Justice

• Authenticity

• Credibility

• Inclusivity

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Facts and Figures

FACTS

&

FIGURES

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Sustainability Centers

Palestinian Child Institute Urban Planning and Disaster Risk Reduction

Center

A kindergarten that is especially developed and dedicated to children with development disorders and autism. The Institute also consists of a research unit, and clinics. The Institute, which belongs to the university, is internationally certified according to ISO9001:2015 standards.

Considered the first portal gate in Palestine that focuses on earth sciences, seismic engineering, re-planning and society development. Sub units: Urban and Regional Planning Unit, Construction and Transportation Research Unit, Earth Sciences and Seismic Engineering Unit, Architectural Conservation Unit.

Energy Research Center (ERC) Community Service and Continuing

Education Center is well-known for its research, development, system design, feasibility studies, training in all conventional and renewable energy fields, energy management and energy conservation.

Works with its units to further the practical application of theoretical sociological approaches, and the bridging of academia with issues facing the community. Sub units: Students with Disabilities Care Office, Community Service Unit, Continuing Education Unit, Opinion Polls and Survey Studies Unit, Computer Lab for the Visually-impaired.

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Water and Environmental Studies Institute (WESI)

Constitutional Studies Centre

One of the major research centers which is concerned in assessing groundwater vulnerability to contamination in Palestine.

Focuses particularly on the separation of powers; the scope of legislative, executive, and judicial powers and on the structure of constitutional democracy; the freedoms of speech, gender studies within constitutional agendas, press, and religion. In sum, the center is devoted to the development of constitutional building in Palestine.

Innovation and Partnership Center (NaBIC) E-Learning Center Institutionalizing the relationship between the university departments and its various programs with the manufacturing and service sectors by Stimulating partnerships with various business sectors for the purpose of implementing scientific research geared to providing solutions and enhancing creative and innovative culture between students.

Offers competency development training to the academic staff and e-courses for the University students. It also offers open courses such as the first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). is internationally certified according to ISO9001:2015 standards.

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UNESCO Chair on Human Rights and Democracy and Peace

UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Resources Management

Palestine in coordination with UNESCO’s UNITWIN and UNESCO Chair program established UNESCO Chair at An-Najah National University in order to enhance scientific research and program development in designated academic fields and build connections with the local and global academic community as well as foster links with the civil society, local communities, and decision makers.

The UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Resources Management is multidisciplinary in its nature. It is directly related to many UNESCO domains, disciplines, and priorities, such as water sciences, engineering and technology resources, the environment, natural resources policy and management, institutional and infrastructural science, regional sustainable development reviews, climate change, science education, science and technology, policy and administration, public awareness and access to information. The Chair objectives are related to several UNESCO’s medium-term strategies for 2014-2021. This chair is closely aligned with UNESCO’s strategic objective SO5 “Promoting international scientific cooperation on critical challenges to sustainable development”. More specifically, the proposed chair will contribute to the implementation of the strategic plan of IHP-VIII (2014-2021) “Water Security: Addressing “Water Security: Responses to Local, Regional and Global Challenges with emphasis on: Theme 1, focal area 1.5, Theme 2 in all its focal areas, Theme 3 focal area 3.1, Theme 5, focal area 5.1 and Theme 6, focal areas 6.1 and 6.5.

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Health and Well-Being

• Supporting poor families by helping hundreds of cases in terms of clothes, food, furniture, medicine, school supplies, medical and health supplies, etc... all for free.

• Providing financial assistance to local communities by supporting entrepreneurs by offering them the required resources and facilities needed to start their own business especially sustainable ones.

• An-Najah National University through the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences provides local farmers and food producers with free services, free access to the faculty’s labs, free consultancy services and awareness events and workshops to spread knowledge about Palestinian standards and characterizations of food, food supplements, food quality systems and new technology in food analysis to improve sustainable farming practices.

• An-Najah National University through the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences plants organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, beans,

etc... in its own farms that benefit our students, staff and local communities.

• Free medical examination/healthcare days for the public and the communities.

• Free mental health support access for both students and staff via social supervision unit and health insurance.

• Free clinical services within the university for students and staff.

• Local and international partnerships and cooperation with different ministries and organizations to improve health and well-being.

• Awareness lectures.

• Empowerment programs.

• Healthcare and medical workshops especially Mental health awareness workshops.

• Sharing facilities specially sport related facilities with the students and the community.

• Palestinian Child Institute that is specialized in children and their development disorders.

8222 33 4456 600 4300 40 84

Financial aids to low income students in 2018/2019 for both local and students from low income countries; some of the financial aids even cover 100% of the tuition fees.

Homes were repaired.

Volunteers in 2018/2019

Cases that were provided with food coupons and food parcels that include meat, bread, fish, milk, hundreds of vegetable and fruit baskets, etc..

Blood units donations.

Tons of organic vegetables, fruits, herbs, beans, etc.… have been harvested from our own farms.

Case Monthly - Orphan Sponsorship Program.

Health and Well-Being

Health and Well-Being are among the most important aspects that should always be achieved and constantly improved. Since we are a third-world country, it's always a challenge to do so. Having said that, An-Najah has always been proactive when it came to the welfare of its students, employees and community.

Below is a list of the university's activities in achieving better life for all:

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Teaching, Learning and Research

• An-Najah National University provides access to educational resources for public through e-learning center and libraries that provide open courses and lectures, training centers that provide training in many fields such as programming languages, networks development, languages, financial management, ... etc.

• An-Najah National University gives fair consideration to all who apply for admission to credit programs.

• An-Najah National University gives careful consideration and support in the admission and completion processes to students who come from low-income households.

• Educational awareness (such as the importance of education, equal opportunities,

etc.…) through events, workshops, lectures and school visits (40 school) and volunteer work for the public is offered.

• 300 volunteers annually provide blind and visually impaired students with education materials.

• An-Najah National University provides scholarships in the fields of science, medicine and health sciences, engineering, environment, economics, etc... Examples: Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, sustainable energy technology, Geotech engineering, applied geomorphology, air pollution, etc. .

103 60 6 442 23506 64% Bachelor Programs

Masters Programs

PhD. Programs

Sustainable Courses

Enrolled Students

Female Students

11% 6466 65% 4,815 65% 8222 International Students

Admitted Student

Admitted Female Students

Graduate Students

Graduate Female Students

Scholarships

40 312 3,029 $ 5.3M $ 1.6M 51 Scholarly publications on Sustainability

Researches published in Scopus Database

Citations Research Funded

Sustainability Research Funded

Funded Research Projects

Teaching, Learning and Research

An-Najah National University's priority has always been aiming at providing its students with academic programs of high quality and promoting intercultural dialogue and scientific research. One of our top aims is to give our students and employees the best possible teaching and learning environment in the university. An-Najah National University has also been providing the Palestinian community with various services with regards to sustainable development.

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Equality and Justice

Equality and Justice

An-Najah National University has

always been committed to equality,

equal access, peace, justice, integrity,

freedom, standing against

harassment and discrimination and

Equal pay. In fact, it has a series of

policies that address these rights and

puts severe punishment on violation

and abusement of these rights.

An-Najah National University also fully

supports students’ and employees’

unions and provides them a safe and

a home-like environment where they

can discuss their rights and what they

need including their elections.

It also provides a neutral platform and

a safe space for its employees and

students to discuss challenges

through our Media Center and

different conferences and workshops.

The University annually follows up

and analyzes applications rate,

acceptance/entry rate, completion

rate for both male and female

students in the university through the

Institutional Research Unit in

cooperation with the Deanship of

Admission and Registration and the

Alumni Unit.

The university provides access

support for women such as

mentoring and targeted support. This

is done through a specialized fully

confidential unit which is The Social

Supervision Unit that focuses on the

preventive, therapeutic and

development aspects to assess

students involved in university life.

The unit also aims at offering

psychological aids related to

students’ academic, personal, social

and political life events.

The university encourages high

school students (both males and

females) to apply and study at the

university. Every specialization is open

for both females and males without

any discrimination. The university

usually hosts high school students

from almost all schools and organizes

a day tour to the university so that the

students know about the university

and what can be offered for them etc.

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UNESCO Chair on Human Rights and Democracy

and Peace

• The Chair conducts research on specific human rights issues through literature study and qualitative/quantitative data collection that results in the publication of reports and papers.

• Setting up a database to document the Human Rights Violations (HRVs) that University students face.

• Acting as a legal advice center for students on issues pertaining to human rights.

• The regular conducting of surveys so as to monitor the status and development of human rights issues among An-Najah students.

• Utilizing the collected data on HRVs (of the database and surveys) for research and advocacy purposes.

• The Chair places a high importance on education in human rights. Facilitating training in the field of human rights empowers civil society initiatives that address rights issues. Furthermore, it raises knowledge and awareness of universal human rights issues.

• Through a combination of internal and external funding, the UNESCO Chair works to sponsor conferences and programs at An-Najah National University on contemporary human rights issues.

Students with Disabilities Care Office

• This office focuses its efforts mainly on the right to education, particularly higher education for people with disabilities (PWDs), since providing them with education will pave the road for a great change in their lives.

• An-Najah Creates an infrastructure and other supporting services that make the university environment easier and more comfortable for people with disabilities, including: dedicated centers, tools and equipment, access schemes…etc.

Right to Education

An-Najah always offers academic and social support

to students with disabilities. The university also opens

its doors to all students and provides them with the

available services.

Students with Disabilities Grants Fund

More than 75% of students with disabilities suffer

financial problems; therefore, An-Najah National

University established the Students with Disabilities

Grants Fund which aims at offering full and partial

scholarships to this category of An-Najah students.

The Office offers the following services for students

with disabilities:

• Helping PWDs with course registration procedures.

• Providing human guides for students with visual impairments.

• Offering blind students Braille Books.

• Facilitating PWDs personal mobility.

• Integrating PWDs into the university environment.

• Offering training programs for teachers and students about sign language, guiding and Braille Transcribing System

• Offering special library services for students with visual and hearing impairment.

• Facilitating SWDs accessibility to basic services such as basic health and student consulting services.

• Hiring Braille proofing and production specialists.

• Attracting sponsors to offer funded scholarships and loans to SWDs.

• Offering SWDs psychological and social support.

The university is committed to treating students and staff with integrity and equality without any kind of discrimination regarding color, gender, religion, etc… through the following units and activities:

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Social Supervision Unit

The Social Supervision Unit focuses on the

preventive, therapeutic and development aspects to

assess students to be involved in university life. The

unit also aims at offering psychological aids related to

students’ academic, personal, social and political life

events.

Students Union Supporting students’ union and their activities

specially students' elections, where An-Najah

National University has been very supportive and

provided everything needed for the students'

elections.

Some activities of students’ union:

• Representing all students and defending the rights of students in all fields.

• Monitoring the elections for departmental clubs in coordination with the Deanship of Student Affairs.

• Coordinating with the Deanship of Student Affairs in following up student issues and being in touch with the university’s various departments and centers.

Supporting students’ council elections

Supporting and recognizing students’ council and

clubs such as:

• IEEE Najah Student Branch

• Engineers Without Borders

• The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

• Institute of Industrial Engineers

• American Institute of Chemical Engineers

• Google Developers' Group (GDG)

• Community of Entrepreneurs

• Arab Innovation Network (AIN)

• Student Association for Physics and Astronomy (SAPA)

• Health Professions Association /Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

• International Federation of Medical Students' Associations

• Environment Conserving Association

• Pharm. D. Students Association (PDSA)

• Open Source Community

• The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

• International Veterinary Students' Association (IVSA)

• One Nursing Family Association Federation

• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

• Nutrition and Food Technology Association

• International Pharmaceutical Students Federation

Employee's Union Supporting employees’ union and their activities

• The Union aims to enhance the economic, social and cultural levels of its members through the following:

• Defending the rights and interests of the Union's members to achieve equality and protect their public interest.

• Enhancing the academic and professional level of the employees.

• Publishing scientific and administrative researches and studies and encouraging scientific research.

• Cooperating with universities and institutes in the different scientific, cultural, and social fields.

• Securing social and health insurance for employees.

• Coordinating effort with different local institutions and organizations in the field of social work.

Organizing workshops, conferences and events

The university organizes several activities that

address peace, integrity, governance, cyber-

crimes, justice, equality, empower women and

put the lights on their struggles and how to

overcome it. In addition to providing expert

advices to different organizations and institutes

through our Constitutional Studies Centre

1972 874 1098 673 (34%) 10% 44 155 Employees (Head Count)

Academics (Head Count)

Administrative (Head Count)

Female Employees (Head Count)

International employees (Head Count)

Disabled Employees (Head Count)

Disabled Students

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Water and Waste

• An-Najah National University addresses and manages wastes especially hazardous waste through a series of policies that stress on the right behavior and steps towards the act of disposing these wastes.

• An-Najah National University ensures that waste management is performed in accordance with all waste legislative requirements, including the duty of care, and to plan for future legislative changes and to mitigate their effects.

• An-Najah National University promotes environmental awareness in order to increase and encourage waste minimization, reuse and recycling.

• An-Najah National University ensures safe handling and storage of wastes on campus.

• Two pilot plants, one as aquaponics and the other one is constructed wetlands.

• An-Najah National University established a long-term contract with the government to monitor water quality of all water sources and networks in Nablus city including our campuses.

• An-Najah provides educational opportunities for local communities to learn about good

water management such as different workshops, events and educational programs.

• An-Najah National University established a water tank that collects the rain water used for plants irrigation, cleaning and fire extinguishing.

• An-Najah National University established two artesian wells in a an-Nassariya town.

• An-Najah National University offers relevant educational programs. For example, MSc. Water & Environmental Engineering.

UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Water Resources

Management

The Chair offers a number of benefits to the

society:

• Promoting integrated water resources management to ensure resource sustainability in terms of both water quantity and quality.

• Increasing sector capacity in planning and management of water resources.

• Supporting national efforts toward justifying the Palestinian rights in water resources.

• Contributing to increasing the capacity of water sector institutions and improving their roles and regulations.

Water and Waste

An-Najah National University’s commitment to achieving and spreading the sustainability culture does not ever stop. When it comes to clean water and sanitation and wastes, it’s crucial to protect the health and safety of the university faculty, students, visitors and even the community in terms of water and waste. An-Najah National University’s mission in achieving this goal does not only take into account the health and safety of all but also spreading awareness and implementing sustainable acts such as collecting and depending on rain water and using it as a main source for farming, cleaning, fire extinguishing…etc.

An-Najah National University has been addressing these important points through the following actions and units' activities:

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Water and Environmental Studies Institute (WESI)

• Offering opportunities to conduct scientific research on water resources management, wastewater treatment, renewable energy production and water quality monitoring.

• Providing a database of some environmental variables to draw water and environmental policies.

• Offering training workshops on environmental preservation and water treatment for farmers, women, teachers and other categories of the local community.

• Conducting assessment studies of the environmental effect of the old and existing projects.

1,575 tons Waste generated

394 tons Waste recycled

1181 tons Waste sent to landfill

~45K m3 Volume of water used in the university

~4K m3 Inbound (treated/extracted water)

~6.5K m3 Water collected from rain water

~500 m3 Reused/recycled water

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Climate Action and Energy

• An-Najah National University’s staff and students have been taking several measures in reducing the carbon emissions and toxic fumes that reflect directly on the climate. In fact, 93% of our students and 61% of our staff use public transportation instead of private ones.

• Relying on alternative energy source using our solar panels that has been installed on the rooftops of our buildings in faculties in all campuses.

• Installing solar panels for free in different villages, schools and municipalities to generate electricity through our Energy Research Center.

• The approach of replacing traditional cars with electrical cars which An-Najah has already started adopting.

• Offering several environmental related Programs such as: o PhD degree Program in Sustainable Energy

Technology. o Bachelor degree program in Energy &

Environmental Engineering. o MSc degree program in Clean Energy

Conservation Engineering. o MSc program in Water & Environmental

Engineering that addresses several aspects in environment such as Ecological Management, Environmental regulations, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental

Management, Environmental Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment.

o Environmental Sciences MSc degree program

o Bachelor degree in Geography. o MSc degree program in Geography.

• Organizing workshops and events for local community to learn about importance of energy efficiency, clean energy, energy conservation, etc.…

• Organizing climate action workshops and awareness events.

• Providing assistance and support for start-ups economy/technology through An-Najah Business Innovation and Partnership Center (NaBIC).

• Even with all these constrains our country faces because of the political issue, An-Najah has been planting 40 thousand seedling and thousands of trees which helps increase the oxygen, reduce the pollution level in a way and provide a home for different creatures.

• An-Najah National University is committed to providing a safe and healthy campus environment for staff, students, contractors and visitors by minimizing the adverse effects of smoking, passive smoking and tobacco to staff, students, contractors and visitors, smoke-free environment all smoking is prohibited anywhere on all closed spaces in the university campuses.

Climate Action and Energy

Consistent with An-Najah National University’s strategic plan, the University is committed to achieving best practice standards in energy management and sustainability for all construction and renovation projects. The University aims at improving energy efficiency, reducing energy consumption and costs, reducing environmental impact of harmful emissions, and using renewable energy sources. The university is committed to address climate issues through a series of academic and extra curricula activities.

Below are some activities An-Najah National University does regarding energy and climate:

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• Energy Research Center (ERC): The Energy Center concentrates on research and development in the following areas and can offer consultancy in related projects.

o To initiate a foundation for energy research that facilitates the development of knowledge, application and expertise in the diverse energy fields. This is done through lectures, training and study projects.

o To conduct scientific research studies and experiments in the various conventional and renewable energy fields, the results of which are provided for public and private institutions that may benefit from assistance in development projects.

o To coordinate and cooperate with all Palestinian authorities, local universities, industries, and other parties interested in the application, research, and development of conventional and renewable energy systems, and global environmental issues.

o To promote the utilization of available energy resources and energy efficiency. In particular, this refers to renewable energy in feasible projects necessary for socio-economic development.

o To increase public awareness on the best use of energy, energy conservation and on the feasible renewable energy applications, specifically appropriate for rural development.

o To provide professional consultations to local institutions and to conduct projects in the various energy sectors. The ERC also endeavors to provide quality education at the Master’s level in the fields of energy efficiency and clean energy. Additionally, the ERC provides ongoing training for the graduates, specialists and professionals currently working in energy related sectors.

o To build strong, scientific relationships with Arab and international centers concerned with energy studies.

o To facilitate technology transfers.

5.4 GJ ~ 19,000 m2 ~ 4,400 38 sites ~ 1,600 Generated energy for the University

Covered area in campuses

Installed modules in the University

Free installed solar panels in

Free Installed modules in different sites

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Nature and Ecosy stem

• Our Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine has been doing fish farming by building fishing tanks/ Aquariums for research and teaching purposes.

• Ensuring food procurement from suppliers follow sustainable harvesting practices.

• Using organic fertilizer on our crops that are made from vegetables, fruitlets wastes.

• Monitoring and seeking protection for endangered plant species. For example: publishing an article about biotechnology for conservation of Palestinian medicinal plants.

• Conducting events and workshops about the ecosystem, life on land, ecotourism etc.…

• Conducting events and workshops that address water management and treatments and continuous workshops aimed to reduce use of pesticides and herbicides, and promote apiculture.

• Supporting and organizing events aimed to promote conservation and sustainable utilization of the land and wildlife such as lectures about wildlife documentation, A Workshop on Compost, etc.…

• Hosting the “environmental week”.

• Offering Bachelor program in Plant Production & Protection and MSc program in Water & Environmental Engineering.

Ecology Friends Association:

• The Ecology Friends Society was founded in the year 2012 by a student group of the Biology Department at the Faculty of Science under the supervision of one of our academics/teachers to create environmental awareness through positive learning experiences. It aims at achieving the intended goal of protecting our Palestinian environment.

• Aims at raising environmental awareness of students and instructing them on the proper use of the environmental resources through adopting safe environmental behavior.

• Collaborations and partnerships with other organizations and cities in terms of environmental aspects such as the project of Environmental Impact Assessment for The New City of Rawabi which was initiated by our university.

Nature and Ecosystem

The university is committed to doing its best in spreading the sustainability culture and behavior related to nature and ecosystems. The university also adopts best acts towards studying and saving plants, animals and ecosystems.

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Sustainable Agriculture Production System

The following production practices are applied at the Faculty of Agriculture &

Veterinary farms for ensuring more food production and sustainable agriculture,

taking into consideration human health, environment and economy as main

aspects that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change and maintain

ecosystems.

• Soil solarization and crop rotation as natural and sustainable controlling methods for soil borne diseases and weeds.

• Accurate and non-intensive chemical pesticide application taking into consideration the pesticide safety period before harvesting.

• Using soilless culture in greenhouse vegetable production for reducing water consumption and maximizing water use efficiency and the production per land unit area.

• Efficient fertilizer use; precise chemical fertilizer program is applied according to crop type and plant growth stage, for allowing maximum nutrient use efficiency.

• Using green manure and crop residue as environmental safely practices for soil enrichment with organic matter and natural resource conservation.

• Hydroponics

> 40,000 Thousands ~ 40 tons Seedlings planted Trees planted Organic vegetables, fruits,

herbs, beans, etc…have been planted and harvested sustainably from our farms.

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• An-Najah National University as a body measures/tracks pay scale gender equity through the Payroll Department in the Finance Department

• An-Najah National University as a body recognizes unions & labor rights (freedom of association & collective bargaining) for all, including women & international staff.

• The process for employees to appeal on employee rights and/or pay through Employees’ Union, that aims to defend the rights and interests of the university employees to achieve equality and protect their public interest and to enhance the economic, social and cultural levels of its members.

• The university is committed to no discrimination in the workplace, no slavery, no human trafficking; An-Najah is also committed to minimum wage, committed to employ and protect people with disability, committed to comply with applicable law and regulations regarding intellectual property, copyrights and trademark matters.

• An-Najah has an Innovation and Entrepreneurship course which focuses on supporting students' innovative ideas and turn them into a business and shows them the right path towards establishing their business and helps it thrive.

• Providing assistance and support for start-ups through An-Najah Business Innovation and Partnership Center (NaBIC)

• An-Najah National University has three registered companies set-up to exploit intellectual property that has originated from within the university (An-Najah Company for Consultancy and Technical Studies "NajahPal", The Technical Centre for Examining Vehicle Engineering and Design, Dairy Production Unit)

874 281 185 231 Academic Staff (Head Count)

STEM Academic Staff (Head Count)

Clinical Academic Staff (Head Count)

Arts and Humanities / Social Sciences Academic Staff (Head Count)

Decent Work, Economic Growth and Innovation

An-Najah National University has always been the best place for its employees to thrive and pursue their dreams. An-Najah National University has been promoting healthy and safe environment for its employees and students through a series of practices and policies. An-Najah National University has also been a beacon for innovation.

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Sustainable Cities and Communities

• Building new buildings and faculties based on the standards of sustainable green buildings and all future buildings will also pursuit this approach.

• Restoring many historical sites and building such as Qasr Al-Qasem Historic Palace, Khan AL-Wakalah , AL-Amad building, etc…

• Cooperating with the Ministry of Education to insure and check the sustainability of Palestinian schools specially checking and testing the seismic design of these schools (15 Schools).

• Offering free public access to The Museum of Palestinian Popular Heritage in the university.

• Offering free public access to libraries including books and publications.

Urban Planning and Disaster Risk Reduction Center has

many activities through its units such as

Urban and Regional Planning Unit

This unit aims at analyzing, supervising, linking,

controlling and dealing with all issues and problems

pertinent to the present and future situation of local,

regional and national planning in Palestine. The unit

carries out a number of activities in the field of urban

and regional planning at local, regional and national

levels, including:

• Preparing development plans (master plans, detailed plans, land subdivision plans, etc.).

• Conducting and carrying out surveys, studies and research.

• Undertaking projects for ministries, municipalities, local communities and institutions involved in planning.

• Organizing specialized training courses for employees at both the public and private sectors.

• Organizing conferences, workshops and seminars.

Sustainable Cities and Communities

One of the top priorities of An-Najah National University is to build resilient and safe cities and communities. An-Najah National University has many centers and units that are tirelessly working for the benefit of the society and communities.

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Architectural Conservation Unit

The Architectural Conservation Unit carries out several

activities in regards to sustainable cities and

communities, including:

• Conducting research on issues related to conservation of cultural heritage.

• Rehabilitating and conserving historic buildings and heritage sites in Palestine, such as: Qasr Al- Qasim Historic Palace and Khan Al-Wakalah in the Old City of Nablus.

• Spreading public awareness towards issues related to protection and conservation of Palestinian cultural heritage.

• Providing technical assistance and consultation in the field of conservation.

• Offering professional training in the field of conservation.

• Organizing lectures and workshops on issues related to conservation of cultural heritage.

Earth Sciences and Seismic Engineering Unit through

projects, cooperation and agreement, such as:

• Cooperation agreement with the Natural Resources Authority, (NRA) Amman, Jordan.

• Cooperation with the General Directory of the Natural Resources, Ramallah, Palestine.

• Joint projects with Geo Forshungs Zentrum (GFZ), Germany.

• Joint projects with USAID.

• Cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

• Reducing Earthquake Losses in the Extended Mediterranean Region (RELEMR Group).

• Royal Scientific Society (RSS)- Amman, Jordan.

• Exchange seismological data with the European- Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC).

• Projects with Rothschild Foundation.

• Projects with SDC-Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Office-Jordan.

• Projects with European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering.

• Projects with IUSS-Pavia, the Institute for Advanced Study of Pavia.

Construction and Transportation Research Unit

The general objective of establishing the unit was to utilize the available resources at the Department of Civil Engineering at the university to support projects and research studies in the area of construction and transportation engineering.

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o .

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Partnerships

Office of International Development and External

Affairs

An-Najah National University is dedicated to being

globally connected. The Office of International

Development and External Affairs (IDEA) plays a

leading role in realizing this ambition. The IDEA

office at An-Najah National University is here to

facilitate local community interaction and dialogue

with the international community and the global

network of higher education.

The Office of International Development and

External Affairs at An-Najah fosters partnerships with

local and international bodies. By forging such

collaborative relationships, An-Najah hopes to

develop academic standards, enhance cultural

understanding, and create more opportunities for

Palestinians. To this, the international office currently

overseas formal partnerships with over 40 local and

international partners. These partners include

NGOs, universities, governmental organizations,

research centers, the European Union, and the

United Nations.

Some of the partners An-Najah has been

collaborating with are listed below:

• Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED)

• UNESCO

• SOAS University of London

• Paris-Sud University

• University of Dundee

• Arizona State University (ASU)

Some of the International Memberships obtained by

An-Najah University are the following:

• International Association of University (IAU)

• Association of Arab Universities (AArU)

• Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW)

• Community of Mediterranean Universities (CMU)

• The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE)

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

• The Association for Schools of Public Health in the European Region (ASPHER)

• American Chemical Society (ACS)

• International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO)

Partnerships

Enhancing the local and global partnerships in order to exchange and gain knowledge which helps in achieving and addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We present you some of our partnerships and collaborations in many fields:

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Twinning Program

Through the Centro Studi di Politica Internazionale

(CeSPI), An-Najah National University announced for

a scholarship for Palestinian PhD researchers:

- 3 Italian PhD Programs offering a wide variety of

research themes related to the Sustainable

Development Goals on:

- Economics & Statistics (Salerno)

- International Relations, Political and Social Sciences

(Rome)

- Engineering, Energetics and Sustainability (CIRPS

Consortium, Florence, Pisa, Turin and Rome).

Twinning agreements

In a display of support and solidarity to the

Palestinians Right to Education; various universities

have valid twinning agreements with An-Najah

National University.

• University of Manchester Students' Union

• University of Leicester Students’ Union

• London School of Economics and Political Science Students’ Union

• De Montfort University

Student Partnerships

Encouraging student partnership and

communication with the local community, especially

local universities, in addition to Arab and

international universities.

The following are some examples of these

partnerships:

• The Centre for Applied Research in Education (CARE)

• The participation of a student group in competitions at the Center for Adventure, Challenge, and Exploration in Jordan

• A visit by academically- and artistically-talented students to Stavanger University for the exchange of skills and experiences

• The participation of the Deanship of Students Affairs art group in the Arab Students’ Art Forum which was held in the South Valley University, District of Qana/Egypt since 2004

• Participating in the University Theatre Festival in Fez, Morocco in April 2012

• The participation of the different athletic groups of the university in activities with local, Arab, and international universities

WESI has several cooperation agreements,

programs, and projects with international

institutions and agencies:

International: • Joint Project with Utah State University

(USU), Logan, Utah, USA.

• Joint projects with The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany – GLOWA project.

• Joint academic supervision with the Institute of Hydrology of Freiburg University, Germany.

• Joint project with Achen University, Germany.

• Joint training program and research projects with UNESCO. Project with the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), Germany.

• Joint projects with UNDP/PAPP.

• Joint project with Near East Foundation (NEF).

• Joint agreement with the World Bank.

• Joint awareness campaign with Save the Children Federation (SCF).

• Joint project with Development Alternative International and USAID.

• Joint academic program with Loughbourgh University, UK.

• Joint project with Delft Hydraulics, The Netherlands.

• Joint project with National Technical University of Athens, Greece.

• Joint project with Purdue University, USA.

• Joint project with Kohn University, Germany.

• Joint project with Newcastle University, UK.

• Joint projects with CARE International.

• Joint projects with Acción Contra el Hambre (ACH).

Regional:

• Cooperation agreement with University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

• Cooperation agreement with National Water Research Center, Cairo, Egypt.

Local:

• Nablus Municipality.

• Qalqilya Governorate.

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Earth Sciences and Seismic Engineering Unit

through projects and cooperation

• Cooperation agreement with the Natural Resources Authority, (NRA) Amman, Jordan.

• Cooperation with the General Directory of the Natural Resources, Ramallah, Palestine.

• Joint projects with Geo Forshungs Zentrum (GFZ), Germany.

• Joint projects with USAID.

• (UNESCO).

• Reducing Earthquake Losses in the Extended Mediterranean Region (RELEMR Group).

• Royal Scientific Society (RSS)- Amman, Jordan.

• Exchange seismological data with the European- Mediterranean Seismological Center (EMSC).

• Projects with Rothschild Foundation.

• Projects with SDC-Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Office-Jordan.

• Projects with European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering.

• Projects with IUSS-Pavia, the Institute for Advanced Study of Pavia.

• Collaborations and partnerships with other organizations and cities in terms of environmental aspects such as the project of Environmental Impact Assessment for The New City of Rawabi.

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This report is prepared by:

Deputy President Office for Planning, Development and Quality Assurance

An-Najah National University ©

www.najah.edu

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